Orthodontist examining patient's metal braces during dental checkup with professional tools.

The Connection Between Surgical Orthodontics And Braces

May 10, 2023

Orthodontist

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile? Do you have misaligned teeth or a bite issue that traditional braces can’t fix alone? Surgical orthodontics could be the solution for you! While braces are a common treatment option for straightening teeth, surgical orthodontics takes it to the next level by combining orthodontic treatment with corrective jaw surgery. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what surgical orthodontics is and how it works, as well as its benefits and what to expect after treatment. Get ready to learn all about the connection between surgical orthodontics and braces!

What Is Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of treatment that combines orthodontic care with corrective jaw surgery to fix severe dental and facial irregularities. This procedure can help patients who have misaligned teeth or jaws that cannot be corrected using traditional braces alone.

During the surgical orthodontics procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in your mouth and move your jawbones into their proper positions. Once your jaws are properly aligned, you will need to wear braces for several months to ensure that your teeth align with each other correctly.

This type of treatment is typically recommended for patients who have functional issues with their bite or aesthetic concerns about their appearance. It’s important to note that not all types of dental problems require surgical intervention and should only be considered after careful evaluation by an experienced oral surgeon.

Surgical Orthodontics provides a comprehensive solution for straightening crooked teeth while improving overall facial symmetry and alignment!

How Does Surgical Orthodontics Work?

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized type of treatment that aims to correct severe jaw abnormalities that cannot be corrected by traditional braces alone. This procedure involves working with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in conjunction with an orthodontist.

The first step in the process is a thorough examination by both professionals to determine the extent of the problem and whether or not surgical intervention is necessary. Once it has been established that surgery is required, a detailed plan will be developed outlining exactly what needs to be done.

During the actual surgical procedure, incisions are made inside your mouth so that no visible scars occur on your face. The bones in your jaw are then repositioned according to the plan created earlier which can involve either removing or adding bone to achieve optimal results.

After undergoing surgical orthodontic treatment, you’ll need time for recovery before getting fitted with braces again. The duration of this period depends on individual cases but usually takes several weeks up to months.

While surgical orthodontics may seem like a daunting process at first glance, it’s actually quite safe and effective when performed by experienced professionals who specialize in this area of dentistry.

Benefits Of Surgical Orthodontics

Surgical orthodontics provides several benefits for those who require it. One of the most significant advantages is that it can help address issues that cannot be fixed using traditional braces alone. Surgical procedures are often necessary when jaw discrepancies exist, which cause problems with both appearance and function.

Another benefit of surgical orthodontics is the potential to achieve better facial aesthetics through improved jaw alignment. With this treatment, a person’s bite can be corrected not only to improve their oral health but also their overall facial structure.

Furthermore, undergoing surgical orthodontic treatment may reduce or eliminate the need for future dental work by addressing underlying structural issues effectively. By treating these concerns early on, patients could avoid more extensive dental treatments later in life.

Surgical orthodontics can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Correcting severe malocclusion or jaw misalignment has been shown to alleviate symptoms such as headaches and chronic pain while also improving speech patterns and chewing abilities.

In summary, there are numerous benefits associated with choosing surgical orthodontic treatment over traditional braces alone. These include improved aesthetic results and long-term oral health outcomes while reducing potential future costs associated with extensive dental work.

The Bottom Line

Surgical orthodontics is a highly effective and safe treatment option for correcting complex dental issues that cannot be fixed with traditional braces alone. By combining orthodontic treatment with surgery, patients can achieve improved oral health, function, and aesthetics.

While the decision to undergo surgical orthodontics may seem daunting at first, it’s important to remember that you’ll be in the hands of experienced professionals who will guide you through every step of the process. With proper planning and aftercare, your surgical orthodontic treatment can lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

If you’re considering surgical orthodontics or have any questions about this innovative approach to dental health care, don’t hesitate to speak with an experienced dental professional today!